Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, President FPCCI called on Federal Minister for Industries and Production Syed Murtaza Mahmud
President FPCCI apprised the problems of industrialists & SMEs to the Federal Minister
ISLAMABAD ( Web News )
Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, President FPCCI apprised the problems of industrialists & SMEs to the Federal Minister for Industries and Production Syed Murtaza Mahmud during a meeting called upon by him in his office. The President FPCCI also discussed various suggestions for revival of economy, utility stores, revival of sick industries and new industrialization.
President FPCCI has reiterated his stance that policies should not be announced in a vacuum without consulting the business, industry and trade community – as they are the real stakeholders in the economy. He highlighted the export potential in sector like textile value addition, export in Information Technology (IT), alternative energy, housing, Halal food market, tourism, agriculture, gems and Jewelry. He said that the IT sector has immense potential of earning foreign exchange. He further said that at present the country needs to pay more attention to the agriculture sector, in which the use of modern technology and tools in the agricultural sector that can increase our yield per acre. He also highlighted the export potential of abundant precious gem stones reserves in northern areas, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that need the attention of the government to establish laboratories with modern machineries in the concerned areas to enable the stake holders of this sector to export finished gems stones instead of raw stone or semi finished. The President FPCCI also shared problems and suggestions to improve the services of Utility Stores in the country with the Minister and said that the number of utility stores should be enhanced in all provinces to give relief to the public. Federal Minister Appreciated Irfan Sheikh’s suggestions and assured that all issues with regard to utility stores would be addressed on a priority basis
Federal Minister for Industries and Production Syed Murtaza Mahmud said the government is focusing to facilitate local manufacturers to create employment opportunities and exports promotion. The government wants to take the country forward by ensuring sustainable economic growth, and obviously the role of the private sector in this regard is crucial. He further said that the private sector is the catalyst for economic growth and the government would facilitate them in promoting business activities which would help in reviving the economy. Pakistan needs a big increase in exports to meet its economic challenges and reduce pressure from its foreign exchange reserves, he further added.
Syed Murtaza Mahmud said that the government is proactive for the swift development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country and urged the business community to play their role in the economic development of the country as the government is working hard for an economic turnaround, and rupee stability against the dollar.